- Over 600 exhibitors from 20 countries and regions, Mainland China participation up by 60% year-on-year- Showcasing the world’s finest wines and spirits, including Chinese wines and baijiu, Japanese sake and shochu, vodka, brandy, and more- Inaugural Sommelier's Picks will engage renowned sommeliers to feature their favourite wine lists to industry professionals and the publicHONG KONG, Oct 21, 2024 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - The 16th HKTDC Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair will be held on 7-9 November at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), showcasing fine wines and spirits from around the world, along with related products and services to trade visitors and buyers.With Hong Kong reducing the liquor duty rate, as announced during the Policy Address last week, to promote liquor trade and boost the development of high value-added industries, the Wine & Spirits Fair will enable the industry to seize opportunities presented by this measure.Sophia Chong, Deputy Executive Director of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), said: "To cater to consumers’ more sophisticated and diverse appreciation for wines, this year's Wine & Spirits Fair offers a diverse range of wines and spirits from around the world to enhance the tasting experience and promote knowledge of wine through a series of special events. The market for Chinese baijiu and wine is thriving, especially following the recent proposal by the Hong Kong SAR Government to reduce taxes for high-end liquor. This year's Fair brings together more than 600 exhibitors, with a notable increase in those showcasing Chinese baijiu and spirits around the world. Overall, participation from Mainland China has increased by 60% by scale compared to the previous year. The HKTDC is actively recruiting more buyers to take part in the Fair, further promoting Hong Kong as a regional trading hub for wine and spirits."This year's Fair will bring together more than 600 exhibitors from 20 countries and regions. In addition to exhibitors from Hong Kong and the Mainland China, there are overseas exhibitors from all over the world, including those from Belarus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Poland, and the United Kingdom from Europe.Exhibitors from the Americas included Argentina, Canada, Chile, Mexico and the United States. Australia, Japan and the Philippines make up the Asia-Pacific representation, while South Africa will participate for the first time.A global showcase for exquisite wines and spiritsThe Wine & Spirits Fair will feature a diverse range of alcoholic beverages, including old-world and new-world wines, Chinese wines, Japanese sake as well as spirits from around the world, including Chinese baijiu, Japan’s shochu, vodka and brandy. A variety of whiskies will also be showcased in both the Ireland and Japan pavilions.Exhibited beverages include:- Azienda Agricola Sciara 760 Metri Etna Rosso, making its fair debut, crafted by Stef Yim, Hong Kong’s first winemaker to set up a winery and vineyards at Mount Etna in Sicily, Italy. The nutrients from the volcanic mud and the high-altitude environment give this red wine its special aroma and flavour;- Zhenjiu, Chinese Baijiu from Guizhou in Mainland China, a high-end sauce aroma aijiu. Its rich and full body with a complex layering of spice and fermented bean flavors leaves a long-lasting aftertaste;- Fenjiu from Shanxi, traditional Chinese liquor crafted mainly from sorghum, which epitomises the light aroma style of baijiu with its crystal-clear appearance and a delightful aroma;- Clonakilty Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey, winner of two global awards, triple-distilled and matured on the Atlantic coastline in Clonakilty, Ireland. It presents flavours of sweet vanilla, toffee apple, salted caramel and wood spices, with a dark chocolate and orange finish;- Wabi Sabi Gin, developed by Japan’s pioneering female spirits entrepreneur Wakae. This gin features 13 botanicals, including Japanese citrus herbs and roses from Shimane Prefecture, creating layered flavours and a long finish;- Ukishiro Sakitama Kodaishu 20 years aged by Yokota Sake Brewery, which has won 22 gold medals in the Annual Japan Sake Awards;- Vinette Premium Canned Wines, a distinguished South African brand and gold medalist in the Gilbert & Gaillard International Challenge, renowned for crafting premium table wines in innovative aluminium cans.The Wine & Spirits Fair also features the Friends of Wine zone, which showcases a variety of gourmet foods designed to complement the wines. Some exhibitors, such as Asia Wine Service & Education Centre (AWSEC), will also introduce their services that promote the industry’s all-round development.Multiple events explore market trendsConferences, tasting sessions and seminars hosted by world-class Masters of Wine, sommeliers and industry professionals, will analyse trends in various markets, while offering attendees an opportunity to sample fine wines from around the world.The inaugural Sommelier's Picks will engage three renowned sommeliers, Arnaud Bardary MS, Carlito Chiu and Reeze Choi, second runner-up of ASI Best Sommelier of the World Contest 2023 who will share their favourite wine lists with both industry professionals and the public.A wine industry conference will be hosted by Master of Wine Debra Meiburg, which will explore consumption trends and preferences of alcoholic beverages among Generation Z and millennials. Jennifer Docherty, the first ethnically Chinese and Mandarin-speaking Master of Wine, will share her expertise on blind-tasting fine wines, while renowned wine critic and chief editor Lau Chi Sun will explore hot topics, such as the outlook for Hong Kong’s spirits market and impact of Hong Kong’s taxation system, in a seminar organised by Wine Now.Prize presentation ceremonies and competitions at the Fair include:- Cathay Hong Kong International Wine and Spirit Competition 2024;- Washu Awards 2024;- Hong Kong Best Spirits Awards 2024;- WineLuxe’s Hong Kong Top 10 Wine Pairing Restaurant Awards Presentation Ceremony 2024- Hong Kong International Mixology Showdown 2024 - Hong Kong region semi-final and the final of the debut Greater Bay Area region contest.Public Day welcomes wine loversOn the final day, the Wine Fiesta Zone will be open to public ticket holders to sample and buy a range of wines and spirits, while enjoying wine tasting experiences through a variety of activities.Both buyers and ticket-holding members of the public aged 18 or above are welcome. Regular tickets are priced at HK$200, with specially-priced tickets at HK$99 available from 23 October via BOOKYAY, CTG, HK01, HKTVMall, HKGO, KKDay, KLOOK, PopTicket, Timable, Trip.com, Lan Kwai Fong Group, Winenow, Wai Shing Wine International CO., Ltd. and Zicket.Special ticket buyers will receive a Lucaris crystal wine glass and discounts on Hong Kong Airlines tickets on a first-come, first-served basis.Among other highlights, the Public Day will feature a seminar on sparkling wines hosted by Master of Wine Debra Meiburg.Stef Yim, Hong Kong-born “Volcano Winemaker”, will take to the stage sharing his unique brewing journey.The public will also hear from three experts on the career path of sommeliers.Representatives from Lan Kwai Fong (LKF) have crafted a special cocktail “HK & Suit” for the Fair, featuring passion fruit and Japanese Akori Gin, among other ingredients. This cocktail will be available for purchase in the HKTDC x LKF Cocktail Festival inside the Wine Fiesta Zone.Relevant data:Spirits Trade in value terms2023Jan - Aug 2024Trade in value termsHK$BGrowth %HK$BGrowth %Total Exports49.29+48.436.62+16.24Imports61.02+54.639.86+2.7HKTDC Research Analysis and News - Duty Cut Set to Boost Hong Kong’s Regional Spirits Hub Prospects:https://research.hktdc.com/en/article/MTgyODQ3ODEwMgPhoto download: https://bit.ly/4heUSUpAt the press conference, HKTDC Deputy Executive Director Sophia Chong (centre) announced that the 16th International Wine & Spirits Fair will bring together more than 600 exhibitors from 20 countries and regions. The HKTDC is actively recruiting more exhibitors and buyers to take part, further promoting Hong Kong as a regional trading hub for wine and spirits. Jennifer Docherty, Master of Wine (left), and Reeze Choi, second runner-up of ASI Best Sommelier of the World Competition 2023 (right), also analysed industry trends at the press conferenceSophia Chong, HKTDC Deputy Executive Director (front row, fifth right), Jennifer Docherty, Master of Wine (front row, fifth left), sommelier Reeze Choi (front row, fourth right) and representatives from consulates and industry organisations attended the 16th HKTDC Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair press conferenceThis year's Fair will bring together more than 600 exhibitors from 20 countries and regions, including Hong Kong and Mainland China, as well as overseas exhibitors from around the world, including Europe, the United States and the Asia-Pacific region (Photo: Jon Dory Limited promoting whisky from Scotland)The Wine & Spirits Fair will showcase fine wines and spirits from around the world as well as related products and services to trade visitors and buyers, promoting Hong Kong as a regional trading hub for wine and spiritsSake Z, an exhibitor at the Wine & Spirits Fair, brought a kiosk with a wide selection of sakes for participants to tryFenjiu from Shanxi, a traditional Chinese liquor crafted mainly from sorghum, which epitomises the light aroma style of baijiu with its crystal-clear appearance and delightful aromaUkishiro Sakitama Kodaishu 20 years aged by Yokota Sake Brewery has won 22 gold medals in the Annual Japan Sake AwardRepresentatives from Lan Kwai Fong (LKF) crafted a special cocktail for the Wine & Spirits Fair, called HK & Suit, with notes of passion fruit and Japanese Akori Gin, among other ingredientsWebsiteHong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair: https://www.hktdc.com/event/hkwinefair/enMedia enquiriesPlease contact the HKTDC’s Communications & Public Affairs Department:Kelly ShekTel: (852) 2584 4537Email: kelly.yt.shek@hktdc.orgSnowy ChanTel: (852) 2584 4525Email: snowy.sn.chan@hktdc.orgAbout HKTDC The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong's trade. With 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via trade publications, research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Copyright 2024 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

香港, 2024年10月21日 - (亚太商讯 via SeaPRwire.com) - 国泰君安国际控股有限公司（「国泰君安国际」、「公司」或「集团」，股份代号：1788.HK）宣布，公司凭借在绿色金融服务及可持续发展领域之卓越表现，于香港质量保证局（Hong Kong Quality Assurance Agency，简称HKQAA）举办的「香港绿色和可持续金融大奬 2024」中，荣获多项殊荣﹐包括：「杰出绿色和可持续贷款发行机构（证券金融服务业）- 卓越远见可持续发展挂钩贷款绩效指标」大奖，公司董事会主席、执行董事阎峰博士荣获「杰出绿色和可持续金融发展领袖」奖项，及公司董事会办公室联席董事余欣女士获得「杰出绿色和可持续金融发展策略专才」奖项。国泰君安国际始终坚持践行金融服务实体经济的理念，积极支持和推动企业客户的绿色转型。2023年，公司参与完成的可持续金融业务发行总量超过800亿港元。同时，公司不断进行可持续发展的多元化探索，今年年初，公司与华侨银行（香港）签订了中国内地及香港地区证券行业首笔可持续发展挂钩贷款，为业界ESG发展树立了典范。此次获奖，标志着行业权威机构对国泰君安国际致力于促进自身及社会整体可持续发展实践的高度肯定。未来，公司将进一步提升在绿色及可持续金融领域的参与度及竞争力，为行业及社会可持续发展作出积极贡献。 Copyright 2024 亚太商讯 via SeaPRwire.com.

Positive strides in work-life balance and mental health openness highlight progress,while workload challenges present opportunities for improvementKey findings from the survey:57% of employees report a positive work-life balance, with 37% calling it "Good" and 20% calling it "Excellent."35% are actively using wellness programs, reflecting growing engagement in well-being initiatives.46% rarely or never experience burnout, though 37% occasionally face it, highlighting areas for support.66% report heavy workloads, pointing to the need for better workload management.SINGAPORE, Oct 21, 2024 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - A recent survey by foundit, a leading jobs and talent platform, highlights encouraging developments in Singapore's workplaces. The study reveals that 57% of employees rate their work-life balance as "Good" or "Excellent," and 51% feel comfortable discussing mental health issues with their managers or HR.These findings reflect a growing emphasis on employee well-being and a more open dialogue around mental health in the corporate environment.However, despite these positive trends, the survey also uncovers areas that warrant attention. A significant 66% of employees report heavy workloads, suggesting room for improvement in workload distribution and management.Additionally, while 35% of respondents are engaging with wellness programs, a notable portion of employees have not yet utilised these resources, which may impact their ability to manage stress effectively.As a result, 37% of employees occasionally experience symptoms of burnout, such as exhaustion or reduced professional efficacy. This underscores the need for continued support and resources to help employees cope with workplace demands.Sekhar Garisa, CEO of foundit, commented on the survey:"It's heartening to see that a significant number of employees in Singapore are enjoying a positive work-life balance and feel comfortable discussing mental health at work. This marks a substantial step forward in creating supportive workplace cultures. While there are areas that warrant attention, such as workload management and addressing burnout, the overall findings are encouraging. By continuing to focus on employee well-being, Singaporean businesses can enhance productivity, foster innovation, and maintain their position as leaders in the global economy."Key Survey Highlights: Building on Positive MomentumThe survey underscores the progress made in Singapore's corporate sector and identifies opportunities for further enhancement:Work-Life Balance: 57% of employees report a positive work-life balance—37% rating it as "Good" and 20% as "Excellent". By supporting the 43% who rated their balance as "Fair" (27%) or "Poor" to "Very poor" (16%), organisations can further promote harmony between professional and personal lives.Increasing Mental Health Openness: A significant 51% of employees feel comfortable discussing mental health issues with their manager or HR, comprising 23% who are "Very comfortable" and 28% who are "Comfortable."Wellness Program Engagement: While 35% of respondents have utilised employee wellness programs, there's an opportunity to reach the 38% who haven't yet participated and the 27% who are unaware of such initiatives.Workload Management: 66% of employees report heavy workloads (42% "Heavy" and 24% "Extremely heavy"), giving organisations a chance to improve workload distribution.Addressing Burnout: Encouragingly, 46% of employees rarely or never experience burnout symptoms (24% "Never," 22% "Rarely"). Organisations need to support the 37% who occasionally face challenges.Key Stress Factors: Employees identify workload (37%), and lack of support (34%) as the top contributors to work-related stress. Addressing these areas offers organisations a clear focus for enhancing employee satisfaction and reducing stress.Looking AheadSingapore's workplaces have made notable strides in fostering environments that support employee well-being. By addressing areas that need attention and building upon the positive trends identified, organisations can create even more supportive and productive workplaces.As Singapore continues to evolve as a global business leader, emphasising employee well-being will contribute to sustained economic growth and social development. The findings from foundit's survey not only celebrate progress but also serve as a roadmap for continued improvement.By providing valuable insights into current workplace dynamics, the survey equips organisations with the information needed to implement effective strategies that enhance employee well-being and productivity.About foundit - APAC & Middle Eastfoundit, formerly Monster (APAC & ME) is Asia’s leading jobs and talent platform offering comprehensive employment solutions to recruiters and job seekers across APAC & ME. In addition to a powerful AI-powered job search, foundit offers e-learning, assessments, and services related to resume creation, interview preparation, and professional networking. Since its inception, the company has assisted over 120 million job seekers across 18 countries in upskilling and connecting them with the right job opportunities. foundit is now also the Official Talent Partner of the Badminton World Federation across 20 key world tour events. Over the last two decades, the company has been a leader in the world of recruitment solutions and has recently launched a cutting-edge solution to give recruiters access to passive candidates in addition to active ones. With the use of advanced technology, foundit is seeking to efficiently bridge the talent gap across industry verticals, experience levels, and geographies.Today, foundit is committed to enabling and connecting the right talent with the right opportunities by harnessing the power of deep tech to sharpen hyper-personalised job searches and offer precision hiring.To learn more about, foundit in APAC & Gulf, visit:Singapore: https://www.foundit.sgPhilippines: https://www.foundit.com.phMalaysia: https://www.foundit.myIndia: https://www.foundit.inGulf: https://www.founditgulf.comHong Kong: https://www.foundit.hkIndonesia: https://www.foundit.idContact:For media inquiries or further information, please contactNamrata Sharma – Namrata.sharma@adfactorspr.comContact number - +65 81383034 Copyright 2024 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

DUBAI, UAE, Oct 17, 2024 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - The Global STEM Education Confex is back for its 11th edition, hosted by IBEForuM, happening on 6-7 November 2024 promises to be an unparalleled platform for knowledge exchange, collaboration, and innovation among educators, researchers, policymakers, and industry leaders. Set against the backdrop of the stunning Millennium Plaza Downtown Hotel in Dubai, this premier event is designed to connect thought leaders and drive the future of STEM education.This year’s Confex will gather top-notch speakers from around the globe, including 29 distinguished speakers and representatives from education ministries. With over 500+ delegates expected to attend from various countries, the conference is set to be a vibrant hub of ideas and solutions. The event is supported by 26 media partners and 22 sponsors, from across the globe with more to be announcedEvent Highlights:Engage with Policymakers and Industry Leaders: Collaborate to align STEM education with industry needs, ensuring a workforce equipped for future challenges.Hands-on Workshops and Interactive Labs: Participate in immersive sessions that provide practical insights and applicable skills in STEM education.Global Collaboration Opportunities: Network with educators, researchers, and innovators from around the world to discover potential partnerships.Explore Cutting-edge Advancements: Stay informed about the latest technologies and educational tools transforming STEM learning.Join us for this prestigious event, where STEM education and innovation meet to create lasting global impact. We look forward to welcoming you to Dubai!Event Details:Date: 6-7 NovemberVenue: Millennium Plaza Downtown Hotel, Dubai, UAEAbout IBEForuMIBEForuM is an International Organization with the goal of empowering global leaders to carve a better future. We are here to solve our shared global challenges through the power of collaboration. We help your business to build a sustainable future by synergizing ideas and infusing innovative solutions. Our insights and quality services help build trust and confidence giving birth to a ground-breaking alliance between academic research and practitioners thus helping them excel in this era of the digital revolution.Our extensive cross-industry connections bring together high calibre, industry leaders to provide the latest policy updates, strategic insight, and practical guidance. We deliver a broad range of industry-specific services that help create valuable relationships between our clients, their customers, employees, and regulatory authorities. We drive transformation by leveraging our cross-functional expertise across various domains. For more information, visit www.ibeforum.com.Speaking and Sponsorship Opportunities:For those interested in contributing to this significant event:Speaking Opportunities:Contact Arif Ulla+91 9845-113-293Email - arif.ulla@ibeforum.com Sponsorship Opportunities: Reach out to Imroze Shaik +91 9901-955-118Email - imroze.shaik@ibeforum.com Copyright 2024 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

HONG KONG, Oct 21, 2024 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - With the increasing global emphasis on sustainability, the Hong Kong government has introduced the 'Hong Kong's Climate Action Plan 2050'. To enhance the transparency of environmental governance and climate-related disclosure for listed companies, HKEX has also revised the "ESG Code" to be effective from 1 January 2025. Within this evolving framework, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors have emerged as pivotal foundations for business development. This is particularly evident in Hong Kong's construction industry, where numerous companies proactively champion these initiatives to demonstrate a steadfast commitment to a sustainable future.As a good model among Hong Kong listed companies in construction industry, Ching Lee Holding Limited (3728. HK) is advancing its ESG agenda through a variety of initiatives. Notably, Ching Lee participated in the "ESG Pledge Scheme" this year organised and recognised by The Chinese Manufacturers' Association of Hong Kong. This initiative reinforces Ching Lee's leadership role in promoting ESG principles and highlights its proactive stance on sustainability.Employees' welfare and occupational health and safety are always the most important items on the ESG agenda. Ching Lee ensures preparedness on construction sites and conducts emergency drills regularly. This dedication reflects its responsible commitment and a profound respect for employee safety. Moreover, the company places a high value on enhancing employee skills. According to Ching Lee's annual report, the total training hours for employees reached an impressive 98.5 hours, with a training participation rate of approximately 60%. Employees are also integral participants in the ESG framework. Several companies have established training systems that align employee development closely with corporate sustainability objectives, thereby achieving a mutually beneficial outcome.In addition to prioritising occupational safety and skills training, Hong Kong companies support public welfare projects in education, healthcare, and culture, while encouraging employees to engage in community service. According to the annual report from Ching Lee Holdings, the company donated over HKD 1.5 million to various charitable organisations in the 2023-2024 financial year, with more than 60 employees actively participating in community service. Furthermore, Ching Lee commits to promoting green building technologies and mandates that all employees adhere rigorously to environmental standards throughout construction. For instance, the company advocates for using recyclable building materials and strives to minimise waste generation during construction activities in addition to energy-saving and emission-reduction measures.By implementing a comprehensive range of initiatives, Hong Kong companies enable their workforce to become active participants in ESG efforts. Ching Lee Holdings adeptly links corporate development with employee growth, illustrating that corporate social responsibility is not merely essential but constitutes a fundamental pillar of sustainable development. Copyright 2024 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

香港, 2024年10月21日 - (亚太商讯 via SeaPRwire.com) - 随著全球对可持续发展的重视，香港政府公布《香港气候行动蓝图 2050》，联交所先后修订，并将于2025年1月1日实施《ESG守则》，旨在加强上巿公司的环境管治及气候信息透明度。在这一背景下，企业社会责任（CSR）及环境、社会及治理（ESG）已成为企业发展的重要基石，尤其是在香港的建筑行业中，许多企业正积极推动这些努力，以展现对可持续未来的坚定承诺。首先，在職業健康與安全方面，許多公司始終將僱員的安全放在首位。例如，香港主板上市的建築公司正利控股有限公司（3728.HK），正在通過各種舉措推動企業社會責任和可持續發展。正利控股本年度參加了由香港中華廠商聯合會主辦的「ESG 約章」行動，獲得了第三方權威機構的認可。此舉旨在鞏固其在推廣和實踐ESG方面的領導地位。正利還承諾在未來降低工程及辦公室的能源消耗，並大力推動辦公室無紙化及內部環保政策。這不僅增強了企業的內部能力，還能在環保意識不斷提升的市場中贏得競爭優勢，推動企業的長期可持續發展。在工地场所，正利控股致力于提供安全的工作环境，并在建筑工地定期进行应急演练。这不仅是企业的责任，更是对员工生命安全的尊重。此外，公司还重视增强雇员技能，培养未来的领袖。根据该集团年度报告的数据，雇员的培训总时数达98.5小时，参训比例高达约六成。这样的培训不仅提升了员工的专业技能，更让员工意识到自身在社会环境中的重要角色。因为员工不仅是企业的生产力，更是环境保护和社会责任的参与者。某些公司在这方面的培训体系，将员工的发展与企业的可持续发展目标紧密联系在一起，从而达到双赢的效果。正利控股在推广绿色建筑技术方面也不遗馀力，公司要求所有员工在施工过程中严格遵守环保标准。例如，正利控股提倡使用可回收的建筑材料，并在施工过程中最大限度地减少废弃物产生。此外，该公司还积极推广节能减排措施，如使用节能灯具和电动设备，以降低能源消耗。除了职业安全和技能培训，企业在员工ESG方面还有其他举措。例如，许多公司支持教育、医疗和文化等公益事业，并鼓励员工参与社区服务。根据正利控股的年报数据，该公司在2023-2024财年向多个公益机构捐赠超过150万港元，并有超过60名员工参与社区服务，这些行动彰显了企业的社会参与。总体而言，对于环境及社会的探索之路，不仅仅是企业的责任，更是企业对员工的尊重和赋能。通过一系列的举措，企业让员工成为ESG的参与者，正利控股将企业的发展与员工的成长紧密联系在一起。这不仅是企业社会责任的体现，更是可持续发展的基石。 Copyright 2024 亚太商讯 via SeaPRwire.com.